If you are already 65, or you are about to turn 65, you are probably eligible for Medicare. Medicare is the federal government's health insurance program. Generally, you can sign up for the Medicare program if you are 65 years old, eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefit payments, and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You might also qualify for coverage if you are younger than 65, with a disability or chronic kidney disease.

In general, Medicare will pay for healthcare when you are sick or injured. What Medicare covers depends on whether you have Medicare Part A or both Medicare Part A and Part B. Please note: to obtain prescription drug coverage, you must also have Medicare Part D.